What is the Camera Ready Communities Program?

In 2010, the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office launched a new program called “Camera Ready Communities” to ensure that Georgia counties each had a local film-friendly liaison to assist producers and location managers. While production companies generally contact our office first and we continue to work with them through the life of the project, Camera Ready acts an extension of our office into the community. Some production needs and questions are best addressed on the local level.

Often we in the state film office just don’t know about all the local lodging options, or the best cup of coffee in town, or how the permitting process works in various locales (permitting in Georgia is done at the local level). But our Camera Ready liaisons do. And we can call them on short notice and say, “We need an old mill—do you have one?” and get pictures back quickly. As demand for locations grows, Camera Ready allows us to provide exemplary service to our clients.

Our Camera Ready liaisons are experts for their designated county, and often come from the local convention and visitors bureau or economic development authority. We train and certify them, and to date, nearly every county in Georgia participates in the program.

Production activity in the state has never been more robust, and for the communities where filming occurs, the benefits can be tremendous. Local economic impact from production can be significant, including hiring of local residents, hotel stays and purchases of goods and services. Film-induced tourism can bring visitors to filming locations long after production has wrapped. Our Camera Ready liaisons value being a part of the process and are often able to parlay the work they do with filmmakers into a boon for the community.

For example, Covington now offers a film tourism-oriented website, along with maps and attractions film fans will enjoy. The town of Senoia (the fictional Woodbury on “The Walking Dead,”) has hosted more than 20 productions and now has its own Hollywood-style Walk of Fame and an official tour coming soon. Atlanta already has a few options for guided and DIY movie tours. Together with our Camera Ready liaisons, we’re excited to see the benefits from the industry spread across the state.